PLANS to rename Guildhall Square the Elizabeth Square have taken a step forward.
Following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September, a proposal was made to rename the square and erect a statue of Her Majesty in her honour.
'Lifetime of duty'
The motion, put forward by Cllr David Fuller, was passed at the full council meeting on Wednesday after receiving cross-party support.
However, Southampton residents will have a say on the matter.
READ MORE: Goodbye Guildhall - hello Elizabeth Square?
Cllr Fuller said: “This council commits to the creation of a fitting tribute to mark the reign of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in recognition of her lifetime of duty and service to our country.
“The council will create a cross-party working group that will take into account the views of residents to look at options for such a tribute.
“This will include, but not be limited to, looking at the renaming of Guildhall Square, and the commissioning of a statue of Her Majesty, funded through public subscription and donations, as a starting point for discussions.”
Coronation celebration
Plans for the coronation of King Charles III in May next year were also discussed.
Cllr Fuller is keen for Southampton to celebrate the occasion.
He said: “The council further commits to ensuring the coronation of King Charles III is commemorated in Southampton with due public ceremony and with events across the city.
“And that the aforementioned working group will ensure the coronation brings together residents from across our city in a celebration of this truly and uniquely British institution.
“A cross-party working group will now be formed to take this forward.”
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Cllr Darren Paffey, deputy leader of the council, said: "We saw so many residents in the city wishing to pay their respects to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by laying flowers at the Civic Centre and signing the book of condolence.
"The council has agreed to capture that strength of feeling by asking residents what they think the best and most fitting tribute could be.
"Then as a city we will find a lasting way of recognising Her Majesty’s lifetime of duty and service to our country.”
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